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Alexandria, Virginia – The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has designated John Kimbrell, Executive Vice President of the Greenville Chamber, Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). The CCE is the only national certification for chamber professionals.

“The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant's knowledge of core chamber management areas—management, planning and development, membership and communication, and operations,” says Ben Haskew, President/CEO of the Greenville Chamber. “Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs have rightfully earned this outstanding recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field, and leadership of their chamber to achieve the chamber’s goals. We are proud that John has joined this long tradition of professional excellence.”

Kimbrell was one of six chamber executives in the nation who earned the CCE designation which was awarded August 12 during ACCE’s Convention in Montreal, Canada. Since the program was initiated more than 40 years ago, only about 500 individuals have earned this highest designation in the industry.

John Kimbrell began his chamber career in his home town of Anderson first as a project coordinator and rising to Vice President. In 2004 he was named President and CEO of the Greer Chamber where he served for six years. In February of 2010 he became President and CEO of the Gaston Regional Chamber in Gastonia, NC. He has served as Executive Vice President at the Greenville Chamber since January 2014. His tenure at each chamber is marked by membership growth, new strategic initiatives, and Accreditation of both the Greer and Greenville Chambers.

About ACCE

Established in 1914, ACCE is an association of 7,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers of commerce, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas. The combined membership of ACCE chambers exceeds 1.2 million businesses. Chamber leaders look to ACCE for best practices, networks and new ideas that will help them advance the interests of their communities. ACCE recommends successful programs and strategies, and identifies trends, partners and business models that show promise. For more information, visit www.acce.org.d.